District Director Paul Wood
A new TM year brings new challenges and responsibilities as the new District Director. As I enter into this New Year I realize that no matter how long you have been a Toastmaster there is always something new to learn. After a long journey from England to Iowa, via the world, I believe I can bring some ideas and impetus to the new role. I have experienced Toastmasters in many countries and many languages and I have a wonderful Toastmaster family. This is how I see Toastmasters as a worldwide family where we are all “brothers and sisters” in the pursuit of excellence.
Outside of Toastmasters I enjoy life as a rugby referee, DIY Projects and ministering to my two churches. I find being semi retired has benefits and challenges but now I can give more time to the demanding role of Director and the challenges ahead for District 19.
Program Quality Director Keith Nielsen
One of my favorite quotes is Legendary Football Coach Vince Lombardi’s “If you are not fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm!” This is how I live my life. I pour all of my passion and energy in to the things I do. I joined Toastmasters in October of 2008. I have held many officer positions in my clubs and in the District Executive Committee. Throughout the years I have been fortunate to have met and learned from many of the Toastmasters along the way. I earned my DTM in 2013 and was District Toastmaster of the year in 2012.
My goal for this year as is to promote and execute the highest standards in education. District 19 is full of people who have dedicated themselves to their own personal and professional development. These same people are the ones who seek out opportunities to develop others. I will work with these people to put District 19 in the top districts in the world with regards to education. I will do this with all of my energy and enthusiasm, because as Ralph Waldo Emerson says “Nothing great was ever achieved with out enthusiasm.”
Club Growth Director Jeanne Heil
Welcome to the new Toastmaster’s year! I am excited to serve District 19’s members as your new Club Growth Director. I have been a Toastmaster for nearly 5 years. I am a member of four clubs, calling Sunrise Marion my Home Club. I have served as an officer for many of my clubs. I have been a Club Coach to a club in need, and I have been a Club Mentor to a newly chartered club. I have served the members of the District as both an Area Governor and Division Governor.
My husband, Todd, and I have three kids between us. My daughter Samantha, is a Toastmaster. The rest of the family – Todd, Zach and Caitlin – are what I like to call “future Toastmasters”. I have worked at TrueNorth in Cedar Rapids, in the financial services industry, for the last 20 years. I spend my days talking about retirement plans and life insurance. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
I am looking forward to helping you, the members, and our clubs in District 19 grow in both numbers and strength. Together, we can do GREAT things!